Maine’s Secretary of State disqualified Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause due to his conduct leading up to the U.S. Capitol breach on January 6, 2021.
However, Rep. Jared Golden broke with this decision, stating that until Trump is found guilty of insurrection, he should be allowed on the ballot.
“I voted to impeach Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th insurrection. I do not believe he should be re-elected as President of the United States,” Golden said. (Trending: Ex-Marine Imprisoned In Russia Sends Message To Biden)
My statement on the Maine Secretary of State's ruling: pic.twitter.com/ByO3XJe1JS
— Congressman Jared Golden (@RepGolden) December 29, 2023
“However, we are a nation of laws, therefore until he is actually found guilty of the crime of insurrection, he should be allowed on the ballot.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Chellie Pingree supported the decision, emphasizing the constitutional prohibition against individuals who engaged in insurrection.
“The text of the Fourteenth Amendment is clear. No person who engaged in an insurrection against the government can ever again serve in elected office,” Pingree said.
“On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump incited a violent mob to block Congress from certifying the Electoral College + overturn the 2020 presidential election. Our Constitution is the very bedrock of America and our laws and it appears Trump’s actions are prohibited by the Constitution.”
“My decision is based exclusively on the record before me, and it has in no way been influenced by my political affiliation or personal views about the events of January 6, 2021,” Bellows said.
The Trump campaign plans to file a legal objection, and Sen. Susan Collins criticized the decision, arguing that Maine voters should decide the election outcome.
“We will quickly file a legal objection in state court to prevent this atrocious decision in Maine from taking effect, and President Trump will never stop fighting to Make America Great Again,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.
“Maine voters should decide who wins the election – not a Secretary of State chosen by the Legislature,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) wrote.
“The Secretary of State’s decision would deny thousands of Mainers the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice, and it should be overturned.”
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